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Chemical Society recognized

WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg University’s American Chemical Society student chapter was recently selected to receive the “Outstanding Chapter Award” from the American Chemical Society.

The award is a result of the chapter’s activities conducted during the 2011-12 academic year.

More than 360 student chapter annual activity reports were reviewed by the Society Committee on Education. As a result of the reports, 241 awards were given, including 46 “Outstanding,” 81 “Commendable,” and 114 “Honorable Mention” awards. Waynesburg University was one of only 46 chapters selected to receive the “Outstanding Award.”

Under the direction of Dr. Robert LaCount, professor of chemistry, and Dr. Evonne Baldauff, assistant professor of chemistry and chair of the chemistry department, the ACS student chapter was highly involved in campus and community outreach activities throughout the year.

Activities included monthly labs for home-schooled students, a haunted lab open to the campus and local community and the Cosmetic Chemistry Program offered to local Girl Scout members, among many others.

Student chapter members also provide service to the department and work to foster community within the group through social events offered throughout the academic year.

According to Baldauff, this award is substantial because it represents the efforts of the department.

“This award makes our students feel proud of what they accomplish,” Baldauff said. “It shows that they have an impact on our campus and community. We do the work to educate people about the value of science because it’s so important to the future of our country.”

The congratulatory letter from ACS President Dr. Bassam Z. Shakhashiri read as follows:

“Professor Evonne Baldauff and Professor Robert LaCount, faculty advisors of the chapter, deserve special commendation. Few faculty members are willing to make the great commitment of time and energy that successful chapter requires. Professor Baldauff and Professor LaCount’s efforts certainly represent the best in undergraduate science education and mentoring around the country.”